Purgatory Trail in NC Zoo

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• Dana
  Sep 4, 2021
  Love this trail

  Hiked this trail today and it was great…not too easy, but not too difficult. I passed only one other couple. It was so peaceful and quiet. Some small inclines and declines, enough to feel like you got a small workout but nothing too strenuous. There were some small rocks and roots, but nothing trip worthy if you watch your step. My pup loved it!

• Chris
  Aug 27, 2021
  May not be for all dogs

  This may not be appropriate for all types of dogs. Once you are past the wheel chair accessible part and cross the maintenance access road, It is rocky, uneven and there are lots of exposed tree roots. It is also all uphill to the summit. If your goal is to go the distance to see the view of the mountains and the valley, please consider that if the trees are full of leaves, there is no view. It’s also 1 mile each way, so consider that before starting. We walked with 2 healthy, energetic terriers and plenty of water and they were tired when we got back to the car.

• Brianna
  Mar 31, 2018
  Something for everyone!

  I want to give this a 5 rating because it really is an amazing trail. However, I do want to note that they ask you to pick up after your pet but there were no trash cans even at the start of the trail. I would suggest adding a trash can and maybe even a doggie bag station for those who may have forgotten their bags. What I really enjoy about this trail is that there’s really something for everyone. The first part is handicap accessible and the main purgatory trail after that is pretty tame, rougher as you go but still not bad, then they have off shoots from the main trail that have different difficulties. My friend and I with our dogs went down the Moonshine trail that was labeled medium difficulty. There were lots of tree roots, rocks, uneven terrain, inclines/declines, and lots of fallen leaves. Watch your step! My friend slipped and scraped her leg on a rock so just be mindful of which trail is best for you and your dog! Our doggies love trails and climbing on the rocks so they had no trouble at all!

We dug up 2 pictures of dogs at Purgatory Trail in NC Zoo.

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